Fun Family Things To Do on the South Shore

Ride a bike

The South Lake Tahoe BMX Bike Track is open June 1 through Oct. 1. All ages, abilities and mountain bikes welcome. Sanctioned by the American Bicycle Association. Helmets, long pants and long-sleeves are required while riding. Call 530-542-9337.

Play at the pool

The South Lake Tahoe Parks and Recreation/ Swim Pool Complex is open year round and centrally located on the south shore. It offers a variety of facilities and programs for adults, youth and teens: playground, outdoor sand volleyball court, barbecue, multi-use gym, weightroom and a 25-yard, six lane pool with one meter diving board and a slide. Lessons, lap and recreation swims offered. Snack bar and Swim Shop is on site. Room rentals for parties and meetings are available. Call 530-542-6056. 1180 Rufus Allen Blvd. South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Ride a horse

The south shore offers up a variety of places to saddle up. In Zephyr Cove, on Lake Tahoe’s east shore, cowboys and cowgirls and their families can enjoy guided trail rides. The scenic trails offer lake views and riders are accompanied by friendly and courteous cowboys. Families and groups are welcome. Call 775-588-5664. Down at Camp Richardson’s Corral, families can sign up for scenic wilderness horseback rides in summer. Call 877-541-3113.

View fish and wildlife

The Taylor Creek Visitor Center and Stream Profile Chamber has an underground chamber with a cut-away of the stream so visitors can view fish behind the glass. It’s located on Highway 89, three miles north of South Lake Tahoe. There are also numerous self-guided trails with award winning signs. Take the half mile loop on the fully accessible Rainbow Trail to see the chamber. Call 530-543-2674.

See the scenes

D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay State Park offer some of the most breathtaking views of the lake, the mountains, and Tahoe’s only island — Fannette Island. Both of these parks have campgrounds, opportunities for hiking, swimming, fishing, and interpretive activities. The D.L. Bliss State Park has a wonderful beach on Rubicon Bay which is also a trailhead for the Rubicon Point Trail that continues to Vikingsholm Castle — the most popular attraction on the west end of Emerald Bay. The castle is considered the finest example of Scandinavian architecture in the United States and is open for guided tours during the summer months. Go here for Emerald Bay State Underwater Park. Call 800-777-0369.

Go disc golfing

Some of the best and most challenging disc golf courses are in Lake Tahoe. South Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area boasts three disc golf courses. Disc golf is a fun, low-cost activity the whole family can enjoy. Discs are available at the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Center and Tahoe Sports LTD. Once you’ve got the discs, here’s where to use them:

Bijou Disc Golf: Tahoe’s original disc golf course. Bijou Park is located at the corner of Johnson Boulevard and Al Tahoe Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe. The entrance is off of Al Tahoe Boulevard.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort has eighteen holes, all but three of which feature a significant elevation change. Take Highway 50 to Meyers. After the Agriculture Checkpoint turn left onto Highway 89. When 89 ends at Pickett’s Junction, turn right onto Highway 88. Follow Highway 88 14 miles to Kirkwood. The disc golf course is at the top of the Mighty Mountain parking lot.

Zephyr Cove features views of Lake Tahoe from a number of holes. Zephyr Cove Park is located just off Highway 50 on Warrior Way. Coming from Lake Tahoe, turn at the fire station just past Zephyr Cove Resort.

Learn about the area

Explore Tahoe : An Urban Trailhead is located on the bottom floor of the Heavenly Village Transit Center, and is billed as an “urban trailhead” by its designers. It entwines a wealth of natural history, recreation and transportation information. A large plasma screen television displaying continuous clips about the Lake Tahoe Basin, and a kid’s table with a wildlife guessing game are a few of the many features. Managed by The City of South Lake Tahoe Parks and Recreation Department. Call 530-542-6056.